Stand at the Delhi Gate and you are looking at a fragment of a wall that once encircled the whole city, one of the gates that earned Aurangabad its nickname, the "City of Gates". Beyond it, the streets run past Mughal-era waterworks, a marble tomb, and museums holding sculpture dug from nearby excavations.
Aurangabad suits travellers who want Mughal and Deccan history without the crowds of the better-known heritage cities, and who are willing to base themselves in town while making trips to the caves on its outskirts. The most comfortable time to visit is winter, from October to February.
This guide covers the sights within the city and the nearby sites named in the source material, with practical notes on how to combine them.
Top things to do in Aurangabad
1. Aurangabad Caves
These nine caves lie just outside the city and are believed to have been excavated between the 2nd and the 6th century. Most are viharas, and the carving is intricate: the 4th cave stands on twelve columns carved with scenes from the Jataka tales, while the 7th is filled with carvings of women adorned with jewels. The main attraction is the sculpture of a Bodhisatva praying for deliverance.
The caves are about 2 km north of Bibi ka Maqbara, so the two pair naturally in a single outing. They are open 24/7 and the entry charge is 200 INR.
2. Bibi ka Maqbara
A replica of the Taj Mahal, Bibi ka Maqbara is the only example of Mughal architecture of its kind on the Deccan plateau. It was built in 1679 by Aurangzeb's son in tribute to his mother, Begum Rabia Durani.
It sits about 12 km northwest of the centre; take an MSTRC bus from Central Bus Station to Makbara Bus Stop. Entry is ₹200.
3. Pan Chakki
This is a 17th-century water mill, its name derived from the mill that crushed grain for pilgrims. The picturesque garden here houses several beautiful fish tanks and the memorial of a Sufi saint.
It stands on the Khami river embankment on Pan Chakki Road. Take a northbound city bus from CBS to VITS Hotel and walk half a kilometre west, or any bus to Dr. Ambedkar Law College Bus Stop and walk 300 m.
4. Soneri Mahal
An old historic monument now converted into a museum, Soneri Mahal houses ancient Indian pottery, dresses, remains of local palaces and antiques of daily use, along with sculptures and reliefs from local excavations.
It is located within the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University campus, north-northwest of the Botanical Garden and on the way to the Aurangabad Caves, which makes it an easy stop en route.
5. History Museum - Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University
This museum displays a good number of ancient Indian paintings, coins, fabrics, arms and artifacts. The collection is huge and includes fine sculptures from the excavation at Bhokardan, a nearby historic site.
It is on the University campus, north of the Botanical Garden, so it can be visited in the same trip as Soneri Mahal.
6. Shrimant Chatrapati Shivaji Raje Museum
This museum is dedicated to Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the great warrior of Maharashtra, and displays a number of exhibits associated with him.
It is on Dr Ambedkar Road at Himayat Bagh, near Delhi Gate; get off at Collector's Office Bus Stop. Combine it with a look at the gate itself.
7. Siddharth Garden
This is a landscaped garden with a good variety of trees and shrubs, and a small aquarium inside. The biggest attraction is the Siddharth Garden Zoo, with lions, white and Bengal tigers, leopards, crocodiles, a snake-house, civet cats, hyena, fox, porcupine, emu and deer, plus sprawling lawns for a picnic.
It is next to Aurangabad Central Bus Station, which makes it convenient to reach by bus and easy to fit around other stops.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at Bibi ka Maqbara, taking an MSTRC bus from Central Bus Station to Makbara Bus Stop, then continue about 2 km north to the Aurangabad Caves while you are in that part of the city.
Afternoon: Head to the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University campus for Soneri Mahal and the History Museum - Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, which sit close together.
Evening: Visit Pan Chakki and its garden and fish tanks, then finish at Siddharth Garden next to the Central Bus Station, where the lawns are a good place to sit before catching your bus.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Aurangabad?
Winter, from October to February, is the most comfortable time. Most rainfall falls in the monsoon season from June to September, and thunderstorms occur between November and April.
How do I reach Bibi ka Maqbara without a car?
Take an MSTRC bus from Central Bus Station to Makbara Bus Stop. The monument lies about 12 km northwest of the city.
Are the Aurangabad Caves worth combining with anything else?
Yes. They are about 2 km north of Bibi ka Maqbara, and Soneri Mahal lies on the way to the caves within the university campus, so the three fit into one route.
What is there to see at Pan Chakki?
A 17th-century water mill, a picturesque garden with several fish tanks, and the memorial of a Sufi saint.
Decide your dates, pick your base near the Central Bus Station, and the gates, tombs and caves of Aurangabad are straightforward to string together.